Aiden Markram’s masterclass under pressure saw South Africa chase down 359 with four balls to spare, outshining Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s brilliant centuries in the second ODI in Raipur. South Africa’s 362 for 6 handed them a nervy but memorable victory, setting up a decider in Visakhapatnam.
India posted a formidable 358 for 5, with Gaikwad hitting his maiden ODI century and Kohli following up with back-to-back tons, his 11th instance of consecutive ODI hundreds. The pair stitched a 195-run partnership, dominating India’s attack, while Rishabh Pant and Tilak Varma watched from the sidelines as Gaikwad displayed his versatility in the middle order.
South Africa’s chase was anchored by Markram, who reached his first ODI hundred in a chase off just 88 balls, alongside Matthew Breetzke (68) and Dewald Brevis (54). Despite losing key wickets in the final overs, the visitors held their nerve. Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj’s calm finishing ensured South Africa crossed the line with four balls remaining.
India’s fielding lapses, including a costly drop by Yashasvi Jaiswal on Markram at 53, proved decisive. While Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna struck early, South Africa’s batting depth and counterattacking mindset turned the game on its head.
With the series now tied 1–1, all eyes shift to Visakhapatnam for a winner-takes-all decider, promising another high-octane contest between two powerhouse sides.
